Canaleta steers Biñan past Novaliches in PSL cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran forward KG Canaleta took over for Biñan, which easily walloped Novaliches, 101-76, in the PSL President’s Cup just recently at the Alonte Sports Arena.

The 6-foot-5 forward turned back the hands of time as his near flawless shooting propelled Biñan to its 15th win in 16 games, just half a game behind tournament leader Nueva Ecija.

Canaleta hit six-of-seven 3-point shots on his way to finishing with 31 points and setting the tone for the Tatak Gel’s one-sided win over the Warriors.

Tatak Gel completely outplayed their rivals from almost all departments — rebounds, field-goal percentage, assists, points inside the paint, second-chance points, bench points and fast breaks — as they won once again in convincing fashion at home.

Canaleta capped his big game with a double-double performance as he also pulled down 11 rebounds.

Also winning were Camarines Norte and 1Munti, which bolstered their playoff chances more after hurdling their respective rivals.

Camarines Norte outlasted the Paolo Hubalde-less RCP Shawarma Shack, 86-78, to stay on track for the playoffs.

By winning their fifth game in 16 matches, the Warriors solidified their hold of the 14th spot as they stayed on track to securing one of the playoff berths nearing the twilight zone of the elimination round.

1Munti kept its composure down the stretch to outlast CV Siniloan, 97-93, in a highly-physical and emotional encounter that saw several players getting involved in in-game fracas.

Mohammad Sarip of 1Munti, and CV Siniloan’s Mac Montilla and Lordy Casajeros figured in altercation right at the bench of the Dragons.

1Munti was comfortably ahead, 77-61 at the closing seconds of the third period, but a loose ball scramble that saw Mohammad Sarip crashing to the bench of CV Siniloan erupted a commotion.

Sarip threw a punch at Lordy Casajeros, then Montilla retaliated and hit the 1Munti forward as cooler heads intervened.

All three were thrown out of the game.